Local players express mixed reactions on Gilas vs Australia brawl

On Jul 3, 2018

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Local basketball players and fans who witnessed the shocking Gilas Pilipinas and Australia Boomers duel expressed mixed emotions as they feel for the national team, while dealing with disappointed, embarassed, and broken #Puso.

As thousand-strong Pinoy hoop fans were all pumped up to cheer for the national pride in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas made the unimaginable happened.

The excitement at the Philippine Arena, however, turned into a total chaos as a regular ball game got ugly when both teams ended up in a bench-clearing brawl midway through the 3rd quarter on Monday, July 2.

Unfortunate series of events that took place tonight. Heat of the battle and emotions won out, but in the end we strive to show the best of who WE are.

Some PBA co-players expressed their disgust and embarrassment over the commotion, while most local cagers shared the much-needed support for the Philippine team.

I’ll ALWAYS support my Gilas brothers, and I commend them for sticking up for one another 2nyt. And as NATIONAL athletes we also have an obligation to represent our country in the best way possible. Playing on the World Stage, in front of thousands at home…cont..

Just to put this into context, being a player of coach for so many years, he always uses this term when he feels his team is not matching the opponents’ physicality. That’s all. It is not a direct order to hit in a dirty way. https://t.co/iAnsMAMxO5

So many fingers to point. To say that gilas were the only guilty party, you're not looking at all the factors. There was build up with Pogoy, the refs didn't notice, the Aussie threw that hit Pogoy most likely started it. All that is raw human emotion.

When did I ever say I wouldn’t have done anything? I only said this isn’t something to be proud of! Understand my tweet. It’s unfortunate and embarrassing for both countries and the game. Does that make me a non Filipino cuz I don’t want to be proud of a brawl?!? C’mon now! https://t.co/QOWpyy3h60

If I was on the court at the time I would’ve been the first one to protect my brother/teammate, everyone knows that! But does that make it acceptable? I don’t think the bench needed to clear and make matters worse. Especially down 30. If it was a tie game I don’t think it happens https://t.co/umNZgiKp9m